Irony. Irony is a difference between appearance and reality. In verbal irony, something is said that implies its opposite. As you read, make a chart showing the verbal irony in the poem “Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind.”
Free Verse. Free verse is poetry that avoids use of regular rhyme, meter, or division into stanzas. As you read, decide what elements in the poem "Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind," show that it is intended to be read as natural speech.
Irony. Irony is a difference between appearance and reality. As you read the poem "A Man Said to the Universe," determine what makes it ironic.
Dialogue. Dialogue is conversation involving two or more people or characters. As you read the poem "A Man Said to the Universe," consider how the conversation might be continued, in keeping with the attitudes of two characters.
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“Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind” illustrates typical characteristics of Crane’s poetry—irony, realistic details, and a conversational tone, all expressed in free verse void of traditional patterns of rhyme, rhythm, and stanza form. Crane’s poetry was influenced by late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Naturalism, a philosophical perspective and literary movement that viewed human action as strictly determined by biological and environmental forces. In “A Man Said to the Universe,” Crane presents an imaginary dialogue that perfectly illustrates the worldview of the Naturalists.
In the left column, write phrases or sentences that demonstrate verbal irony. In the right
column, explain why they are ironic. One example has been done for you.
What would you do to comfort someone who had lost a loved one?
Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt that the natural world was unresponsive to your needs? Relate that experience.
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